There are some Argentines who feel that Lionel Messi is more Spanish than Argentine, but the Barcelona star says he'll always be Argentine.

"I would never have chosen to play for Spain because I am Argentine," he said in interview with TyCSports.com. "It is true that Spain has treated me very well. Let's not forget that I have spent almost as many years living in Barcelona as in Argentina and that leaves you with divided loyalties -- but it doesn't change your true colors."

Messi came in for criticism for not playing in last week's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica in San Jose because of a leg injury.

"I want to be clear that there was no pressure of any kind from Barcelona [not to play]," he said. "I couldn't play as I had pulled a leg muscle and I don't understand the reason for such a storm."